Red-eye Calanoid Copepod [Tortanus forcipatus]
Description
This species is found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, particularly in coastal reefs. It is easily distinguished by its red eyes and its elongated, forceps-like rostrum. It feeds on phytoplankton and detritus, and is an important prey item for small marine predators.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Calanoida
Calanoida
|
| Family |
Centropagidae
Centropagidae
|
| Genus |
Tortanus
Tortanus
|